S.C. Event for Bachmann Overflows, Needs New Venue

U.S. Rep Michele Bachmann's rise in popularity is forcing local organizers of a free public event in South Carolina where she’s scheduled to speak to find a larger venue, the Island Packet reported Friday.

Originally scheduled for about 200 people outside the Old Town Dispensary in Bluffton, the April 16 event has been moved to Buckwalter Place. The event has morphed from a small gathering to a block party with multiple bands, vendors, and speakers. Organizers now expect the crowd to grow to about 2,000.

Thomas Viljac, a co-organizer and owner of the Dispensary, said he'd been told local hotel rooms are being booked by out-of-towners who want to hear Bachmann speak. That prompted the need to find another location, he said.

Town manager Anthony Barrett, who is in charge of special-events permits for the town, said the venue had to be changed because the crowd was expected to grow due to Bachmann's possible 2012 presidential bid.

U.S. Rep Michele Bachmann's rise in popularity is forcing local organizers of a free public event in South Carolina where she s scheduled to speak to find a larger venue, the Island Packet reported Friday.
Originally scheduled for about 200 people outside the Old Town...